It’s the end of the semester. Instead of an altered final exam schedule, students are cramming for end-of-the-unit tests or doing nothing at all.

Recently, the school district cancelled final exams for high schoolers.

Final exams are typically cumulative tests given to students at the end of a course to see their progress in the first semester. Exams used to be taken during the second week of January and counted as 15 percent of the semester average.

“We got rid of them because of how the semester ended in January,” Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Kim Spicer said. “Students would come back for a week after Christmas break to prepare, but then have to take the test right after.”

Finals are often thought of as an all-night study session. But that’s not always the case.

“It’s unfortunate that stereotype still persists,” Texas Tech’s Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Genevieve Durham said. “Final exams are important because they give students the opportunity to demonstrate competence in a subject they tried so hard in.”

Final exams are given at colleges and universities. Alumni have even come forward to the discussion.

“Honestly, my feelings would be hurt if I didn’t have finals,” 2016 graduate of Texas Tech University Brooke Hoffard said, “I like knowing I came out of college with new skills and knowledge that can help advance my career.”

Websites like www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com say that final exams are pointless but Principal Mike Williams thinks otherwise.

“Students will have more practice for college with exams.” Williams said, “I’ll be happy to know the students are prepared when they head off to college.”

A numerous amount of people have been thinking of ways for exams to come back to this district. Like bringing back former rules. For example, allowing students to be exempt from the test if they have good grades and few absences.

“I personally would be in favor of adding the semester exams back,” Spicer said. “Maybe students with an A average, or a B average, will qualify for an exemption.”

Final exams are still no longer in Wylie ISD but more faculty and parents are fighting to bring them back.

“You have to show them you’re trying, really trying,” Hoffard said, “They want you to succeed!”